UPEI offers student support through Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning

Through the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning, students who find themselves on uncertain footing have access to two programs that can help them: STEP, which stands for Student Tutoring Education Program, a one-on-one student support program for high school students; and Options, a program designed to help individuals explore future academic and career choices.

'The Webster Centre staff, faculty and student tutors are excited to offer these two new outreach programs to the PEI community,' says Dr. Barb Campbell, director of the centre. 'We hope that once high school and other students access our services at the Webster Centre they will be more comfortable in making the transition to UPEI for their university experience. These new programs enhance and complement the 12 academic support programs that we already offer to all UPEI students.'

In STEP, high school students are matched with UPEI student tutors who come highly recommended by faculty members. This program is open to all high school students in grades 11 and 12 who would like additional assistance in any of their high school subjects. For instance, a UPEI student who is majoring in biology would tutor a high school student who is having difficulty with that subject.

'This program is designed for students who need to improve or maintain their academic standing' says STEP coordinator Krystal Mayne. 'Students gain confidence and proper study habits, and become motivated to succeed as they move forward from high school towards post-secondary education.'

The nine-week Options program, which is run by the Webster Centre's Pathways to Academic Success (PAS) office, is open to all students in university, college and grade 12, as well as people who seek guidance in determining their academic and career paths. Participants complete self-assessments of their goals, skills, learning styles, areas of interest and work values. They identify the skills needed to connect their education to their career of choice, in a personal, academic and professional portfolio.

'The goal of the Options program is to give participants a plan of action as they move forward with their education and career paths,' says coordinator Anne Bartlett. 'At the end of the nine weeks, they will have a better idea of their future goals and the steps needed to put their plan into action.'

Other Pathways to Academic Success programs are Student Success 101, a non-credit course designed to help students who are struggling academically, and one-hour PAS workshops, which give UPEI students academic support outside the classroom.

For more information about these and other academic support programs offered by the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning, please call (902) 894-2886, or visit www.upei.ca/webstercentre.